This bill expands Montana's workers' compensation system to cover posttraumatic stress disorder for first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and prison employees. Under the new provisions, these workers can file claims if a qualified diagnosis confirms their PTSD resulted from an emergency event occurring during their official duties, excluding stress caused by personnel actions like disciplinary measures or job changes. The legislation amends existing state statutes to create an exception to Montana's general rule against compensating mental-mental claims, specifically recognizing the unique risks faced by first responders. Coverage applies to both professional and volunteer responders who act in an official capacity during emergency responses.
This bill revises Montana's driving under the influence laws by clarifying how prior offenses and pending charges are counted when determining penalties. It expands the definition of a "prior offense" to include cases currently pending in court, meaning individuals with active DUI charges will face stricter penalties as if they had previous convictions. The legislation also standardizes language by replacing "violation" with "offense" in certain sections and maintains existing sentencing guidelines that impose mandatory jail time and fines, with higher penalties for drivers who have minors in their vehicle.
This bill revises Montana's laws regarding intoxicating products by prohibiting the consumption of unregulated beverages or products that alter mental or physical states, making it a misdemeanor to use such items. It places hemp products under the regulation of the Department of Revenue and amends existing definitions to clarify terms like "adult-use dispensary," "cultivator," and "debilitating medical condition" for medical marijuana purposes. The legislation also establishes specific ownership thresholds for beneficial owners in marijuana businesses and updates the list of qualifying medical conditions for patients seeking medical marijuana access.
This bill would prohibit state and local government agencies in Montana from funding, establishing, or supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. It specifically bans spending public money on such initiatives, requires employees to participate in them, or creates offices dedicated to coordinating these programs. The legislation defines diversity, equity, and inclusion programs narrowly as those requiring employee participation in training or activities focused on power structures, privilege, or specific social theories related to race, gender, and identity. The bill includes exceptions for programs required by federal law, court orders, or certain constitutional educational goals, while allowing agencies to continue offering sexual harassment training and compliance offices.
This bill prohibits Montana drivers from holding or using portable electronic devices like cell phones while operating a vehicle, with exceptions for hands-free use, voice calls, and navigation. It specifically bans texting, watching videos, and recording or broadcasting video unless the device is permanently mounted or used for emergency purposes. Drivers caught violating the law face fines ranging from $75 to $250 depending on whether it is their first or subsequent offense. The law also clarifies that police officers cannot seize a driver's phone during a traffic stop unless other legal authority allows it.
This bill amends Montana's tax record confidentiality laws to allow the state auditor and the commissioner of securities and insurance to access taxpayer information for investigating fraud, noncompliance, and abuse under securities and insurance laws. The key provision expands existing exceptions to tax record privacy, permitting the sharing of return information with the state auditor's office specifically for securities and insurance investigations, which were not explicitly included in previous sharing agreements with other state agencies. The bill does not create new tax obligations or change how tax records are collected, but rather clarifies when these confidential records may be legally shared with state officials for enforcement purposes.
This bill updates Montana's laws regarding roadside assistance and towing services to prevent solicitation at accident scenes and ensure proper documentation. It prohibits tow truck operators from soliciting services at accident sites or near disabled vehicles unless the vehicle owner has already requested help, and requires operators to carry written proof of service requests including caller information and timestamps. The legislation establishes criminal penalties and fines for violations, with escalating punishments for repeat offenses, and mandates that towing companies maintain records for three years. Additionally, the bill prohibits government employees from directing motorists to specific tow companies and amends existing rotation system regulations for law enforcement-ordered tows.
This bill creates a dedicated state special revenue account to support the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force, which is administered by the Department of Justice. The account can receive funds from various sources including gifts, grants, and donations, and any money deposited must be used for allowable costs approved by the task force. The legislation appropriates $1 to establish the account and requires the Secretary of State to notify all federally recognized tribal governments in Montana about the new fund. The account will remain in effect from July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2033, with any unspent funds and interest earned staying within the account.
This bill revises Montana laws to better protect vulnerable adults and incapacitated persons from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by updating definitions and penalties. It directly affects individuals who care for these populations, including family members, employees, and facility staff, by clarifying what constitutes abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and personal degradation. The bill establishes specific penalties, including felony charges with up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 for intentional abuse or neglect, while also creating a new crime for failing to report suspected abuse or making false reports. Additionally, it prohibits charging individuals with developmental disabilities for certain abuse-related offenses and strengthens protections against financial exploitation through deception or duress.
This bill restructures how Montana allocates marijuana tax revenue, directing funds toward prevention services, law enforcement operations, and local grants rather than general state budgets. It establishes a Marijuana Tax Revenue Accountability Council composed of state agency representatives, behavioral health professionals, and public members to oversee how the money is spent on substance misuse prevention and youth suicide prevention programs. The council will meet quarterly to advise the Department of Public Health and Human Services on grant distributions and prepare an annual impact report, while the state must fund prevention programs through contracts with external service providers.
